President Prabowo Supports Pencak Silat as Olympic Sport and Cultural Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that pencak silat is not merely a sport or martial art, but also a foundation for shaping the character and identity of the Indonesian nation.

“Pencak silat is indeed a sport and self-defense, but more than that, it reflects the nation’s personality,” Prabowo said at the opening of the 16th National Conference (Munas) of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association in Jakarta on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He stressed that the true strength of pencak silat lies not only in fighting ability but also in humility and chivalrous values. Courage, he noted, should be used for protection, not arrogance or abuse of power.

President Prabowo added that the development of pencak silat plays a crucial role in fostering resilient and stable communities. Strong and calm character at the village and sub-district levels, he argued, contributes to national resilience.

From a historical perspective, President Prabowo recalled that pencak silat was once banned during colonial times, yet survived through secret nighttime training in remote areas. “At that time, pencak silat was banned. Our teachers trained at night, in the hills, in the mountains, in prayer rooms,” he said.

He underlined that pencak silat is not only a cultural heritage but also a symbol of resilience and resistance.

President Prabowo highlighted the achievements of Indonesian pencak silat athletes, who have won bronze, silver, and gold medals on international stages. He reiterated his support for pencak silat to be included in the Olympics, acknowledging that the effort has not yet succeeded but expressing optimism for the future.

However, he cautioned that the ambition to reach the Olympics should not compromise the value and purity of pencak silat. “The important thing is that we maintain its quality and identity. If the knowledge is strong and pure, the world will come to learn from us,” Prabowo said.

He also noted that other countries that learned from Indonesia have now become strong competitors, sometimes surpassing Indonesian athletes. But he viewed this as part of a teacher’s role. “If students become better, that’s natural,” he remarked.

The IPSI National Conference discussed future leadership of the organization and reinforced efforts to push pencak silat into the Olympic Games, with the target of inclusion at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. ***